generation green

As young people, we're passionate about more than just equal rights for the LGBTQ community. After all, having equal rights will only get you so far if you ignore the rights of our planet. Beyond that many, environmental issues affect entire communities of people - pollution, access to clean water, green jobs.

We could share a lot of impressive statistics and go for our own Al Gore "An Inconvenient Truth" moment, but, by now, you're no doubt aware that our home is in trouble and it needs our help.

That is why NYAC has pledged to do our part to make the LGBTQ rights movement one that doesn't sacrifice our planet for our rights. We've heard loud and clear from young people that they expect nothing less.

NYAC believes that the generation of impact we are working to build is also a green generation. So we invite you to find out what NYAC is doing and

join us in pledging to do your part to make our movement one that generation green and Mother Nature can be proud of.

-Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, NYAC
-Chad Grandy, Board Chair, NYAC

• An electronic thermostat keeps our office cozy when the staff is here and turns the system off at night
  
  Financial bonus - this has cut our electric bill in half

• Our faxes are all handled via email - so no paper is used
     
  Financial bonus - this service is less than the amount of a dedicated fax line, uses a toll-free number and cuts down on paper expense

• We use thin margins on all of our documents and memos - except when grant restrictions prevent us from doing so
  
  Financial bonus - Using less paper means buying less paper

• Anyone can use this image to ask folks to refrain from printing their email unless necessary
  

• Staff, interns and guests are encouraged to utilize public transportation as our offices are near bus and subway stations

• Staff are able, and in certain situations encouraged, to telecommute (work from home)

• Recycle bins for paper and containers are available throughout our office

• Our copier and printers only use recycled paper
• Apple enviro - energy

• Whenever possible, we use 100% biodegradable plates, cups and utensils at events

• Whenever possible, we use recycled 3-ring binders rather than plastic and unrecycable binders for distributing materials

• Whenever possible, we digitally archive files rather than paper storage - when files must be stored they are put in recyled folders

• Rather than print our handouts and training materials, we make them available to folks electronically via email, reusable flash drives and CDs

• Utilizing webinars rather than in-person training cuts down on people's travel and emissions sent into the air by their vehicles
  
  Financial bonus - Webinars can be more cost effective thanks to less travel expenses

• Currently transfering many of our paper archives to digital archives
  
  Financial bonus - Having less paper around allows for more space to be made available for more important uses

• Sign the pledge and commit yourself to making the LGBTQ rights movement one that's friendly on our planet

• Educate yourself on how you can reduce your impact on the environment

• Visit the Earth Day Action Center to find local ways to get involved in your community
    
  
• Encourage organizations you work with to take actions to become more green friendly